Serena Williams is stepping back onto the court at 45, choosing grass as the surface for her return.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion will join Canadian prospect Victoria Mboko in doubles play at the Queen’s Club Championships.
Williams has also been given a wild card entry into next week’s Berlin Open doubles draw. There’s also a chance she could pair up with two-time major winner Coco Gauff for that event.
Speaking on the latest episode of ‘Served with Andy Roddick,’ Jon Wertheim revealed that Serena Williams is hoping to team up with Coco Gauff at the Berlin Open.
Jon Wertheim says Serena Williams wants to partner Coco Gauff at Berlin Open
“I heard she’s lobbying…” he began, before adding: “I’ll just say it. I hear she would like to play with Coco [Gauff] in Berlin!”
Wertheim also explained why Gauff might be hesitant to accept the offer, saying: “Coco is trying to win Wimbledon; it’s a big distraction.” He added, “We will see if that actually happens.”
Coco Gauff was knocked out in the first round of Wimbledon last year by Dayana Yastremska. After failing to defend her Roland Garros title this year, she’ll be eager to get back on track at SW19.
The added attention and busy schedule of playing both singles and doubles could complicate her preparations for Wimbledon. But even so, Gauff might find it hard to pass up a chance to play alongside one of the game’s legends.
When asked about Williams’ potential return during Roland Garros, Gauff was supportive. “That would be really cool,” she said. “I did say one of my biggest regrets was not being able to play her.”
This time around, though, they’re likely getting better returns thanks largely due because people have already seen what happened once before between these two players and know exactly how dangerous this matchup can be for each side involved.
Andy Roddick defends Serena Williams amid criticism over her return at Queen’s Club
Roddick, the most recent American man to claim a Grand Slam singles title, didn’t hesitate to push back against critics of Williams’ comeback.
“People have these weird opinions about this. Who is losing because she’s back in tennis?” he asked. “Is Queen’s Club losing? And don’t f— at me with the person who is 130 who would have got into doubles if she didn’t get the wild card, oh my god, don’t, please don’t.
“This is fantastic, this is a dream. How do we maintain attention after Roland Garros? I’ve got one!” The former world No 1 then shared what he hopes Williams will do this summer. “Fantastic; I hope it goes well; I hope she plays singles at Wimbledon!” he said.
“Put it in my veins. I cannot wait; even better, I’m going to be there. If I’m not calling that match if I’m not involved, I want to see it; I want to see the spectacle; I want to see the circus; I want to see it all. No one can do it like Serena Williams.
“Also, for people like ‘She’s coming back at Queen’s Club!’ Sorry if you are going to go quietly go about her business?
The first round exit was her final match before retiring from tennis later that year after a third round loss at the US Open.
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